Hard week

 This week has been a rough week especially for my Maddy Moo. However, so often when times are tough, I can so clearly see how very loved we are and how blessed we are by the people in our life.

For almost a year, Maddy has had periods of feeling lightheaded or dizzy, getting very pale and sometimes nauseous. This past week the episodes of dizziness have been unrelenting. We are working with a number of doctors to try and figure out what is going on and how we can best treat Maddy. Both my children have been so lucky to have incredible adults who have mentored them, coached them, loved them throughout their lives. That was never more evident than this week as I watched three incredible women rally around Maddy to allow her to still safely participate in the activities she so dearly loves. And speaking of that little red head, she has a determination and a fiery spirit that is often hidden under her shy demeanor. I watched her push herself this week to participate in life when most of us would have chosen to just lie in the bed feeling bad. I am awed at times as I watch my children live with  strength of character and perseverance that most people (myself included) do not possess. 

To say Maddy is loving school would be an understatement. She is absolutely thriving and tells me every time I pick her up how amazing her day was. I have loved watching her enjoy this time. We went on a field trip with some of her classmates to the pumpkin patch on Friday! It was fun to see her enjoy time with her new friends.

On the Hayride

Waiting

Maddy with Brookelyn and Julia

In Jail

Waiting on the train ride

While Maddy has had a rough go, Alex has been feeling pretty good! He continues to finish up his last couple of electives before graduation. He is also in his last few weeks before his biggest fundraiser of the year, Extra Life. Speaking and Fundraising for Cook Children's and Children's Miracle Network has given Alex a sense of purpose and something that makes him feel like his struggles are worth it. Combining gaming with this passion makes this time his very favorite time of year! Last night he got to attend an event and game a little, as well as speak about how much it means to give back. Love this boy and his amazing heart! Here is the link to his Extra Life page if you want to help him reach his goal. 

Alex and DeMarcus Ware

Erin introducing Alex

Alex doing his thing

Of all the things I am grateful for, one of the absolute tops is having Mimi and PopPop here. My mom and I are extremely close. We used to count down the time until we could see each other again, usually every 3-4 months if not longer. Now we see each other more days than not and it is nothing for the kids to ask to pop in for a quick hug or to just say hi. I love that we get to do life together. One of the gifts I gave her for her 70th birthday was a family photo shoot. We finally got around to doing it and the results were awesome! (Thank you Tina!) Here are a few of those pictures.

Thank you to all of you who love on our family and stand with us through the hard times and the good times. I am so very grateful for you. Thank you for continuing to pray for my sweet girl as we figure out how to get her back to feeling better!

Ali